Press ReleasesFour High School Students Write Books and Get Published – Classmates Set Eye On Oprah AppearanceSummary: Four high school students have been given the opportunity of a lifetime, to write and publish a book. Now they want to tell Oprah what they have done. UNIONTOWN, Ohio – First these high school kids accomplished what experienced writers struggle to do – all four got a publishing contract. Now they want to tell their unique story to Oprah. The opportunity for four Lake High School students to write and publish their first book is a virtually unprecedented, and they think it is worthy of national attention. It all began in the spring of 2004 when publisher Bill Jelen volunteered to teach a Jr. Achievement class at LHS. He taught the students about the cold, hard facts of how difficult it is for writers to have their book published. The students complained about the obstacles they felt were unfair, which prompted Jelen to make an amazing offer. So with the help of the school, Jelen ran a contest and four students won a book publishing contract. “I was planning to give just one contract, but four of the proposals were so good I decided to award them all a contract,” said Jelen. Confessions of a Girl, by Tessa Sean Hershberger, 17, is an honest and truthful look into what every girl is secretly longing for – something more, something genuine, and something truly worth living for. Hershberger challenges young women to strive for excellence, to go beyond mediocre and settling for second rate. (ISBN: 1-932802-97-5) A World of Difference is the science fiction tale of World War III fought in 2080 between Earth and the former Earth dwellers who colonized Mars. Author Lee Galada, 16, weaves futuristic action/adventure tale any sci-fi buff will love. (ISBN: 1-932802-98-3) Baker’s Dozen by Joshua Matthew Moorhead, 18, is the story of a teen, Justin Baker, who keeps a journal of the events in his life. The book covers just 13 days, but the events of those days shape the rest of his life and the history of the world. Baker experiences everything from a chance encounter with Vanilla Ice, spirited athletic battles, politics, pop culture, history class, and finally history itself as the horror of 9/11 unfolds before him. (ISBN: 1-932802-96-7) Author Ashely Shawntel tells a spiritually moving story in The Heart’s Flames about a smoke jumper and his wife who discover the meaning of love and forgiveness. It is a story filled with drama, excitement, laughter and tears. Smoke jumper Cole Hunter risks his life fighting forest fires to support his family, is injured, and while receiving treatment his wife cheats on him. Although torn apart for a time, the two turn to God and learn about repentance and forgiveness. The two learn that no sin is too big and no bridge is too broken to restore. (ISBN: 1-932802-99-1) “There’s no better way to learn than to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Experience is, after all, the best teacher,” said Jelen, who is financing the entire project. The project involved faculty and students from the school. These are books by high school students written for high school students. The art work and design is also by students, and the marketing of the books will be handled by students in the marketing and vocational department. “When one of the girls in the class said she thought the whole class should end up on Oprah I first just laughed with them, but then I suddenly realized what these kids have done is nothing short of remarkable. They should end up on Oprah,” said Jelen. Each of the books is featured on a special web page at FreshWritersBooks.com Press Contact: Bill Jelen 330-715-2875 consult@MrExcel.com This page current as of May 24, 2007 8:43 AM |